Retractable Combustible Heat Source for Aerosol Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating articles with combustible heat sources require more effort to extinguish due to their larger and more dense combustion zones, making them difficult to dispose of compared to conventional cigarettes, and there is a need for a convenient and unobtrusive method to extinguish these articles without a separate element.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol generating article features a retractable combustible heat source that slides into a tubular body, which modulates airflow and includes a heat reactive material to shield and cool the heat source, allowing for easy extinguishment by mimicking the 'stubbing out' motion of conventional cigarettes, and an optional retractable filter element for further reduction in length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a combustible heat source is used in an aerosol generating article, then the heat source provides sufficient heating capability, but the combustion zone becomes larger and more dense, making it difficult to extinguish
Solution Approach 1:
The heat source is designed to be movable relative to the aerosol-forming substrate, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned between an extended position during use and a retracted position for extinguishment. This dynamic configuration enables the system to transition from a high-power heating state to an easily extinguished state by simply moving the heat source into the mouthpiece region where airflow is restricted.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerosol generating article is divided into distinct functional regions: the heat source, the aerosol-forming substrate, and the mouthpiece. This segmentation allows the heat source to be independently controlled and repositioned, facilitating easy extinguishment by retracting it into the mouthpiece region where it can be isolated from the aerosol-forming substrate and restricted from airflow.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the heat source is made larger and more dense to increase energy content, then more heat energy is available, but more effort is required to extinguish or remove heat
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than reducing the size or energy content of the heat source, the invention employs a dynamic repositioning mechanism that allows the heat source to be moved into a restricted region (the mouthpiece) where airflow is limited. This enables high-energy heat sources to be used while maintaining ease of extinguishment through simple mechanical movement rather than requiring significant force or complex extinguishing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat source is extracted from its traditional fixed position adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate and repositioned into the mouthpiece region when extinguishment is required. This extraction removes the heat source from the combustion zone, isolating it and facilitating easy extinguishment without requiring additional effort or complex mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a separate extinguisher element is added to facilitate extinguishment, then extinguishment becomes easier, but the device complexity increases and the extinguisher may be unobtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is designed to serve multiple functions: it is the delivery channel for the aerosol during use, and it simultaneously serves as the extinguishing chamber when the heat source is retracted. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate extinguisher element, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of extinguishment. The existing structural components are utilized for dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The extinguishing function is merged with the existing mouthpiece structure rather than being implemented as a separate component. By combining the aerosol delivery function and the extinguishment function within a single integrated structure, the invention reduces the number of separate elements while maintaining both functionalities effectively.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for convenient and safe extinguishment of the aerosol generating article by reducing the heat source's exposure and length, mimicking the disposal of conventional cigarettes, while ensuring user safety and simplicity in manufacturing and use.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular body is configured to modulate or reduce the amount of air entering the combustible heat source
Implementation Method 2
The tubular body may include a heat reactive material. Such a material may seal and secure the combustible heat source once in the retracted position
Implementation Method 3
The tubular body may include a heat insulating material. Such material may retain at least some of the heat within the aerosol generating article until the combustible heat source is extinguished and cooled
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating article (100) includes a retractable heat source (130). The aerosol generating article has a tubular body (110) positioned at the proximal end (102) of the aerosol generating article. A combustible heat source is positioned at the distal end (104) of the aerosol generating article. An aerosol generating substrate (120) is downstream of the combustible heat source. The combustible heat source is slideable from an extended position to a retracted position having a shorter article length. An entire length of the combustible heat source retracts into the tubular body in the retracted position.